Now that I've specified which anxiety disorder, what are some methods that may help?
1. Work on changing perceptions Specific phobias can be a challenge, as oftentimes children develop irrational perceptions. For parents and teachers, working to change these perceptions into some that are more realistic and positive may help ease the fear children experience. For example, if a child is afraid of bees, introducing them to a book that has images and descriptions of the positive things bees do for us may help change a child's perception that bees are bad and mean. 2. Gradual exposure and developing rational thinking/coping methods For children with specific phobias, avoiding situations that may cause exposure (because sometimes it is easier not to go, than deal with a tantrum) is actually counterproductive because it reinforces children's fears as legitimate. By recognizing their fears and working with them do develop coping methods (like being able to rationalize that bees won't sting you if you stand still) may make exposure more manageable. Working up slowly, and gradually working with children so that they are able to be outside without bees present, to outside with bees present, etc. can help them learn to calm down 3. Demonstration and observation Another method that may be beneficial to a child with a specific phobia is modeling how to act around it or in that scenario. Observing how other children act around dogs may make the child feel more comfortable recognizing that other children are okay with it, so it might not be that bad.